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Special Forces Training

April 16 - - Before heading to Texas Motor Speedway for the weekend's race, Jeff Gordon spent Thursday, April 15 training with the Texas Army National Guard Special Forces Soldiers at the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training facility in Maxwell, Texas. Gordon flew in a Black Hawk helicopter, participated in mission planning, familiarized himself with sniper systems, pistol and rifle guns at shooting ranges. He also unveiled the #24 National Guard Special Forces Chevrolet paint scheme for the April 18 race at Texas Motor Speedway to the Soldiers at the facility.

"I'm excited and privileged to have the opportunity to train with the Texas Army National Guard Special Forces Soldiers before going to the racetrack," Gordon said. "It was one of the coolest experiences. We were flown in a Blackhawk helicopter, got to go through some different missions training with them. These guys are unbelievable. They are just the elite of the Special Forces. They are so versatile. What these guys have to go through training wise, what they have to do when they do go into battle — it’s unbelievable. I got a small taste of it, had a lot of fun shooting a lot of different things, which was cool and actually going into some rooms and clearing some rooms. Holding that rifle as a team with other Special Forces soldiers, it was cool. The fact that we’re carrying them on board this weekend really takes our relationship with the National Guard to a whole other level. Having that one on one experience with those actual soldiers was amazing."

The National Guard has served as an associate sponsor on Gordon's car for the past two seasons. During that time his appreciation and understanding of The Guard's role in protecting and defending freedom at home and abroad has deepened. "After learning what these specially trained Soldiers do for our country and how they successfully adapt to current combat situations, I was amazed and also proud to know we have men and women like that fighting for our country's freedom," he said. "The race team is excited to recognize Special Forces on our car this weekend, and I look forward to giving them the recognition they deserve for the sacrifices they make on a daily basis to keep our country safe."

* Video of JG with the Special Forces (2 min)